AKA | Interaction-Relations Diagram, Network Diagram |
Classification | Analyzing/Trending (AT) |
An interrelationship digraph displays causal relationships in a complex network of contributing factors. This digraph maps out a problem issue by establishing links among related ideas or issues.
To understand and clarify interrelationships between ideas or issues in a complex problem.
To identify root causes of a potential problem.
To discover key cause and effect relationships.
To find connections that influence other factors within a process.
→ | Select and define problem or opportunity |
→ | Identify and analyze causes or potential change |
Develop and plan possible solutions or change | |
Implement and evaluate solution or change | |
Measure and report solution or change results | |
Recognize and reward team efforts |
Research/statistics | |
1 | Creativity/innovation |
Engineering | |
Project management | |
Manufacturing | |
Marketing/sales | |
Administration/documentation | |
3 | Servicing/support |
Customer/quality metrics | |
2 | Change management |
before
Affinity Diagram
Brainstorming
Focus group
Cause and Effect Diagram (CED)
Problem specification
after
Tree diagram
Linking diagram
Potential problem analysis (PPA)
Opportunity analysis
Criteria rating form
STEP 1 Acquire collected data from an affinity diagram or brainstorming session.
STEP 2 Reach consensus on some problem or key issue to be considered. See example What Causes Teams to Succeed?
STEP 3 Use an idea-generation tool such as brainstorming or affinity diagram to produce ideas.
STEP 4 Collect all ideas on cards or post-it notes as they are produced; place these around the card that has the problem or key issue statement.
STEP 5 After the flow of ideas has slowed, look for relationships between each and every idea. Draw arrows pointing to either the causes or effects. Continue until all placed ideas have been verified.
STEP 6 Finalize an I.D. using encoding information as shown in notes and key points. Count the number of arrows coming into each idea (in) and the number of lines leaving the same idea (out).
STEP 7 Identify ideas or issues that are major causes (MC) or effects (ME). Use double boxes or bold boxes respectively. Date the interrelationship digraph.